Fulham have cooled their interested in Fiorentina centre back Igor Julio and made the Roma defender Roger Ibañez their top defensive target, according to reports from Italy.
The Whites had trailed Igor Junior, who helped the Viola reach the final of the Europa Conference League this season, for many months and had open discussions with both Fiorentina and the Brazilian defender’s representatives about a potential move after it became clear that the 25 year-old would be made available for transfer this summer.
But talks with Roma’s technical director Tiago Pinto appear to have opened the door to a possible deal for Ibañez, who has been in London over the last week or so. Firenze Viola echoes reports from a number of Italian journalists this afternoon that suggest that the Fulham hierarchy have ‘turned their attention’ to the 24 year-old Brazilian international, who is expected to be allowed to leave by Jose Mourinho this summer.
The Cottagers are keen to add defensive depth to their squad with doubts remaining over just when veteran Tim Ream, who fractured his arm towards the end of last season, will return to first team action and the departure of Shane Duffy. Tosin Adarabioyo, a key figure in Marco Silva’s plans since the Portuguese head coach arrived at Craven Cottage, could also leave the club in this window – and Fulham are keen to add continental experience to their group.
